Much Ado About Nothing

Post 1 - Before Reading

What is the most relevant information provided, in your view? What is the most surprising? 

 In my view, the most relevant information provided is that the original Globe Theatre was in the seedy section of town, frequented by prostitutes, pickpockets and indecent people. Also, there was no curtain that opened or closed at the beginning or end of plays. It was also mentioned that there wasn´t much decoration or scenery. What surprised me is how people entretained themselves going to the Bear Gardens, and seeing bears being attacked by dogs. That was an awful practice of that time.

How do you think the acting conditions will affect the development of the plot?

I suppose that acting those days must have been a difficult activity limited to those who really loved doing it. First, as I  saw in the film "Shakespeare in love", people used to round the stage until the edge of it. That was a lot of pressure put on actors, as people who got bored boo and hiss them. And, above all, men interpreted all characters, even female characters, and they should be believable.

How do these two versions compare? Why? Who do you expect the protagonists will be? What do they seem to be like?

I think the characters in the first version are meant to be more real than in the second one, as most of them are not attractive as they might have been in reality. In the second version, almost all of them are good-looking which makes the film more attractive to the public. Apart from that, the setting in the first didn´t change, at least in the part that is shown, and in the second one, the setting seems to be more vivid.
In my view, the protagonists seems to be Hero and Claudio in the TV play, while in the film Leonato´s niece and Benedick are more likely to be the leading roles. Hero and Claudio are very shy and quiet. Claudio are determined to get the love of Hero. On the other hand, Benedick and Leonato´s niece seem to be forthright and they seem not to like each other.

Post 3 - After Reading The Whole Play

What are the most important ideas/ themes in this play? Is there any phrase or line you think represents them best? How suitable is the title?

The major theme is marriage as all the problems in the play result of it. It is represented in the following lines:

Benedick:    "... But I hope you have no intent to turn husband, have you?
Claudio:       I would scarce trust myself, though I had sworn the contrary, if Hero would be my wife"

Beneddick:   "No, the world must be peopled. When I said I would die a bachelor, I did not think I
                    should live till I were married."

Margaret:     "Of what, lady? Of speaking honourably? Is not marriage honourable in a beggar? Is not your 
                     lord honourable without marriage? I think you would have me say 'saving your reverence, a
                     husband.'; an bad thinking do not wrest true speaking, I'll offend nobody. Is there any harm in
                     'the heavier for a husband'? None, I think, an it be the right husband and the right wife; 
                     otherwise 'tis light, and not heavy. Ask my Lady Beatrice else - here she comes."

Another important theme is deception. It is shown throughout all the play: when they tried to get what they want; when they tried to make Benedick and Beatrice fall in love; when Don John made Claudio believe Hero was disloyal too him or when Hero pretended to be dead.

Don John:     " I came hither to tell you, and, circumstances shortened - for she has been too long a-talking
                    of - the lady is disloyal.
Claudio:        Who, Hero?
Don John:     Even she. Leonato’s Hero; your Hero; every man’s Hero.
Claudio:        Disloyal?
Don John:     The word is too good to paint out her wickedness. I could say she were worse - think you of
                     a worse title, and I will fit her to it. Wonder not till further warrant. Go but with me tonight,
                     you shall see her chamber window entered, even the night before her wedding day. If 
                     you love her then, tomorrow wed her; but it would better fit your honor to change your mind.
Claudio:         May this be so?
Don Pedro:    I will not think it."

The title is very suitable because in the play there are a lot of trouble (ado) but in the end nothing happened.
They made a lot of things out of nothing ( eg.: When Don John set a conflic between Hero and Claudio that in fact doesn't exist)
What surprised me more was the way in which Beatrice, being a woman, can show what she thought, and the way she can express to men which was unusual in those days.
If I got the chance, I would ask the writer why the character of Hero didn't even tried to fight for her innocence.